Accurate clinical observations are the key to good patient care and fundamental to nursing practice. Vital Signs for Nurses will support anyone in care delivery to enhance their skills, reflect upon their own practice and assist in their continuing professional development.

Preface vii Acknowledgements ix Introduction xi 1 Legal and Ethical Principles 1Joyce Smith 2 Infection Prevention 20Rachel Roberts 3 The Respiratory System 49Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts 4 The Cardiovascular System 61Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts 5 Temperature 82Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith 6 Urine Output 96Rachel Roberts 7 Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign 115Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith 8 Early Warning Scoring Tools 138Joyce Smith 9 Communication 156Rachel Roberts 10 Nutrition 167Rachel Roberts 11 Blood Glucose Monitoring 187Joyce Smith 12 Record Keeping 205Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts 13 Continuing Professional Development 214Joyce Smith 14 Reflective Practice 222Rachel Roberts 15 Conclusion and Multiple Choice Questions 231Joyce Smith Glossary of Terms 237 Answers to Practice Points and Multiple Choice Questions 245 Index 263

Monitoring, observing and recording the vital signs of patients is a fundamental aspect of delivering quality patient care. This practical and accessible guide will develop your underpinning knowledge and skills in both theory and practice for the adult patient found either in hospital, private sector or community settings. A must-have for health care assistants, student nurses or newly qualified registered nurses working within any health care environment, this book explores not only how to assess and monitor patients, but also covers: Legal and ethical issues Infection prevention and control Pain Communication Nutrition Reflective practice Continuing professional development This essential and practical resource also features learning objectives, case studies, a glossary of key terms, activities and multiple choice questions to assist you in your understanding of this subject.

"This is a really good book for first and second years. It is short yet comprehensive enough for students to learn all the basics behind taking obs. The explanations are clear and to the point, explaining the rationale behind each of the activities... for a new student nurse this book is pitched perfectly."; 3rd year nursing student, University of Manchester